CAMPAIGNERS put on their walking boots for the fourth times as they hiked through Hulton Park to protest its development.

About 40 people marched through the estate to raise awareness of the public amenity and to oppose Peel Holdings plan to press ahead with the £240million build.

The walks, organised by the Hulton Estate Area Residents Together (HEART) group, have been held over the last couple of months and are designed to showcase the natural beauty of the area.

Walk organiser Stephen Hall said: "We have had people who have come on these walks, who have lived here for 50 years and did not know the estate was accessible.

"And I have noticed people coming back and using it on their own. This is what the idea has been all along.

"It has shown people the routes and it shows them we have got public footpaths here."

One man from Chew Moor, who did not wish to be named, took part in the walk after spotting the advertising sign as he rode past on his bike.

He said: "I did not know that this walk was taking place. It is a good idea. It would be such a shame if we lost this estate."

Peel submitted an application for the development earlier this year.

As well as planning thousands of homes for the estate, the company also aims to build a championship standard golf course with hopes of bidding for the Ryder Cup.

As well as strong opposition from residents and Westhoughton Town Council, the development has been opposed by the Woodland Trust.